Is CVE-2021-1578 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2021-1578 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2021-1578 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2021-1578 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2021-1578?

CVE-2021-1578 has a CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH).

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HIGH

CVE-2021-1578

CWE-636Published: August 25, 2021· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

8.8

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

A vulnerability in an API endpoint of Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) and Cisco Cloud Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (Cloud APIC) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to elevate privileges to Administrator on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to an improper policy default setting. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by using a non-privileged credential for Cisco ACI Multi-Site Orchestrator (MSO) to send a specific API request to a managed Cisco APIC or Cloud APIC device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to obtain Administrator credentials on the affected device.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2021-1578 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 8.8.